Turnbull, Thomas

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Fullname: Thomas Turnbull
aka: Tom Turnbull
Born: c.1875
Birthplace: St Ninians, Stirlingshire
Died: 23 February 1920 (Falkirk)
Signed: 19 May 1899
Left: 13 September 1900 (to Sheffield Utd)
Position: Full-back, Defence
Debut: Celtic 3-2 Clyde, League, 19 Aug 1899
Internationals: none

Biog

Full-back Tom Turnbull was a former Falkirk and East Stirling player who signed for Celtic in May 1899. He was said to be “[a] young man full of promise“.

He made his Bhoys debut on August 19th that year in a 3-2 league victory over Clyde at Parkhead. Seemed to be in and out the side with some spells of runs in the first team. His last game was a 3-2 defeat by Hearts in the Inter-City league. He was fighting for the same team spot at Storrier and Davidson, with all three in and out the side in spell but the latter two winning out ahead of Turnbull.

He played in the replayed Glasgow Cup final v Rangers in 1899, but sadly Celtic lost 1-0. Celtic won their revenge with a 3-2 victory over Rangers in the Ne’er Day game two months later in a 3-2 victory.

He made a total of 11 league appearances that season but despite some solid performances he couldn’t command a regular starting spot. Celtic finished behind Rangers in second spot, with Celtic’s away form being the main culprit as Celtic finished 7pts behind Rangers. At that time the league season was only 18 matches, and Rangers only dropped points in three matches, two were against Celtic whom they didn’t defeat in the league.

He was to transfer out to Sheffield United (on an apparently then large fee) in September 1900, although Celtic were initially reluctant to let him go.

The perennial English Scouts had come looking and had lured him south of the border but it all went awry when he broke his leg whilst playing in a match for the Yorkshire side which all but ended his career at the highest level. He was to be out for three years from the game.

Later tentative comebacks with Stenhousemuir (he is still one of the few footballers to have played for all three Falkirk district clubs) then Partick Thistle came to little, and he finally retired from the game.

After football he went into business with his brother, John Turnbull, opening a cinema in Denny amongst other ventures.

He was also the proprietor of the Star Inn, Grahams Road, Falkirk, himself living in Watson Street, which those who are old enough will know that it was in the vicinity of Brockville Park.

He passed away prematurely on 23 February 1920, aged around 45.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

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Source: http://ptearlyyears.net/1900s/1903-04

Tom Turnbull was signed for a fee of £25 from Sheffield United.

Turnbull had previously played for Celtic and East Stirlingshire but only played three times for United, and had not played for three years after breaking his leg when playing in a United v Aston Villa match (United were unhappy when told that no ambulance was available to take Tom to hospital).

Despite this, the Evening Times reckoned Turnbull a strong, powerful full back who should play himself into form.

He was the committee’s second attempt to replace Andy Wilson since the start of the season, the signing of Joe Leiper being a failure. Turnbull wouldn’t face Third Lanark at Meadowside in the next game – Wilson retained his place.

Sam Kennedy returned to the team meaning that John Wilkie could be rested – he hadn’t been ready for his imposed debut against Queen’s Park.

Tom Harvey also returned to the team. McMahon faced his old team-mate John Campbell: the players had formed a legendary partnership at Celtic. The game ended 2-2 and Sandy McMahon scored Thistle’s first goal – the first of many it was hoped.

The Evening Times was impressed. “McMahon came off splendidly against the 3rd, and his clever goal had a stimulating effect on the team. The forwards would do well to play to him more, particularly at corner kicks. Last Saturday chances were lost by the ball being poorly placed.”

For the next game away at Hearts the Daily Record joined the admiration of McMahon: “The presence of McMahon should attract some interest. Practically he has done the average span of a football career in two clubs already – the Hibernian and Celtic – and that he is able to produce valuable work for a third is a remarkable testimony to his vitality”.

It was a disappointment to all that McMahon didn’t play at Tynecastle after all. “McMahon’s non appearance was only part of an afternoon of disappointments provided by Partick Thistle,” said the Daily Record, but no explanation was provided.

Robert Gray was pressed into unexpected service, but it was a poor performance all round. The backs and half-backs in particular were poor and Hearts had it easy, leading 3-0 at half time. Sam Kennedy pulled a goal back but the game finished 1-4.

Tom Turnbull wasn’t singled out by the press for a poor debut performance, but the highly-rated player didn’t play for Thistle again.

Source: http://www.falkirk-football-history.co.uk/2013/03/falkirk-fc-graves-thomas-turnbull.html

by @John_Meffen